Wolves of The Barren Hollows 🐦‍⬛ Lore & Rules

1. Monochrome Dark genetics only.
2. The pack must stay completely private. No using outside studs whatsoever.
3. Any wolves I want to breed must be paired up with a Gen 1 wolf or NBW.
   • Exception: I may pair an offspring wolf with a non-NBW wolf if it is for a purely lore based reason. But, those pups will never be deemed fit to rule over the pack. Other than that, there are no other exceptions to this rule.
   • Note: I may make a wolf in the Wolf Customiser in Grove if I cannot find a suitable mate and if I have enough GC.
4. All wolves must have some sort of raven/crow companion or theme. However, only the ruling pair may have the Lunar variant of the Raven and Crow.
5. Undesired pups are not to be protected and have a low priority when it comes to being fed.
6. All wolves must earn their keep. If they do not have a role then they will have a low priority when it comes to being fed.
7. Sick wolves cannot be quarantined. If it spreads, it spreads. And if a wolf is not treated in time they will most likely die.
8. If a wolf hits 0HP they are considered dead and must be removed from the pack's cave.
   • Exception: If the wolf is a ruler, they may be given 1 healing salve. If they hit 0HP a second time after this, they are considered dead. If the bloodline ruler dies, the lunar raven will select a new bloodline ruler. Otherwise, the lunar crow will leave to find another mate provided no other wolves demand a change in leadership.
9. All wolves within the Barren Hollows Pack must have either an Aggressive or Stoic personality type. Friendly and Romantic wolves will be tolerated but they are more likely to be chased off if they instigate too many fights or arguments. That chance is even higher if they argue or fight with either of the ruling pair.

Thank you Wes(#146298) for helping me make this expanded map!
Wolvden's normal Exploration Map is to the east of this region.

Thank you Wes(#146298) for helping me make this expanded map!
This includes the Wolvden Exploration Map.

Current Rulers
Queen Melloria	It's a wonder how Melloria survived this long but she was one of the wolves that originally called the Barren Hollows their home back when it was thriving. Before a few overzealous wolves got the idea to burn the place down thanks to a devious outsider. Now, Melloria rules over the land with an iron fist. Striking fear into the hearts of the individuals that get to catch a rare glimpse of her and her raven companion, Josmael. Known Titles: The Matron & Queen of Ravens
King Jasper	Resembling the scorched trees of the local area, no one is quite certain where Jasper came from. He just mysteriously showed up one day after Melloria sent her Crow out to scout for any wolves in the barren landscape only to return with this confused wolf at dusk. In the present day, Jasper rules happily and faithfully at Melloria's side while he keeps a watchful eye on the pack since Melloria is far too busy to handle the constant chore that is keeping the younger wolves in line.
Code & Lore by #86206

Notable Characters
Josmael (Yos-myel)	Josmael, whose name means "The Forward Runner", is a Lunar Raven who has seemingly been around since wolves started living in these lands. Including the land to the east, past the mountain range that the wolves of the Barren Hollows closely watch. He is also well known for making deals with wolves, crafting careful temporary pacts and deals to help himself with before he moves onto his next victim. However, he has willingly bound himself to Melloria, serving the Matron for her lifetime, and he has promised to protect and bind himself to all future rulers related to herself and Jasper. Surprisingly enough, Josmael would rather keep it that way. He knows a powerful wolf when he sees one. Yet, he still dabbles in the occasional deal with outsiders when he isn't acting as Melloria's eyes and ears over the lands. Currently a Companion to Melloria.
Abelas (Ah-beh-lahs)	Abelas, whose name means "Sorrow", is a Lunar Crow and just as old as Josmael is speculated to be. However, he is far quieter than that Raven and really only speaks with Jasper who he's currently bound to and Melloria who he was previously bound with before he found the King. He has promised, just like Josmael, to seek out wolves to pair up with all future rulers related to Melloria and Jasper and happily preforms any task for either of them as well. Currently a Companion to Jasper.
???, The Sentinel	The Sentinel is an important Guardian type role given to a special wolf within the pack. However, it has not been assigned to any wolf yet as the pack has no need for such a role currently. Although it is sure to change now that there are travelers starting to slip through their defenses...
Erebos	Erebos is a young lone wolf that roams the Northern Expanse. He also has a penchant for lounging about near the borders of the Barren Hollows but he has yet to be fully chased off by Melloria. It actually seems like the she-wolf may have a bit of a soft spot for this charming loner but the two are quick to deny anything of the sort. Will he continue to hang around or will he eventually pay the price for tempting fate too often? Only time will tell.
Code & Lore by #86206

• King & Queen: The rulers and leading pair of the pack that calls the Barren Hollows their home.
• Sentinel: The Guardian of the Barren Hollows. They're tasked with watching both the mountain paths and the outskirts of the Barren Hollows to ensure no outsiders are sneaking in. They are also responsible for protecting the bloodline ruler on occasion as well and this role is typically taken by especially powerful wolves. One that is hand picked by the bloodline ruler when one is needed.
  • Note: Outsiders may never take this position. Only wolves of the Mellori bloodline will ever have a chance at holding this role and it typically goes to the rare wolves that possess unique and exceptional magic. Like wolves born with the blindness mutation or wolves born under the light of a full moon.

• Shaman/Healer/Herbalist: The title of this role changes depending on the wolf in this position. They provide healing remedies to the pack's various members and they are responsible for keeping everyone healthy at all times. However, they hold no real power within the pack's leadership and is typically forced to remain that way.
• Scouts: Two wolves may hold this role at any given time and aid the Sentinel in keeping the Barren Hollows safe.
• Trackers: A variant of the Scout role. A personal choice that particular Scout chooses to opt into. Instead of patrolling and keeping the land secure with the Sentinel, they instead choose to track various targets and packs for the ruling pair.
• Hunters: This is the standard rank that wolves typically get placed in to. They're responsible for hunting and providing food for the pack. If they continuously preform poorly, they may be chased off.
• Pupsitters: Any number of wolves may hold this rank yet it is typically discouraged. These wolves are responsible for protecting the pups the ruling pair wishes to keep and force pups the pair doesn't like away from the den.

• Apprentices: The adolescent youngsters are assigned this role as soon as they're 6 months old. They may choose what role they wish to be an apprentice of so long as a wolf is available to mentor them and they will be given that role once they're 1 year old.
• Pups: They are the youngest within the pack. Usually, they're the offspring of the ruling pair but sometimes a subordinate wolf is allowed to take a mate so long as the ruling pair approves of it first.

Melloria was sat in front of the great oak tree that marked the heart of the Barren Hollows and before her stood two ravens. One was Josmael, her companion, and the other was a nameless raven that roamed her lands, not yet bound to any wolf.

"I've almost finished setting and lining our territory with alarm runes. So, tell me young raven, what have you seen outside our lands?" Melloria asks this nameless raven who quickly responds, squawking and croaking away as it tells some story that only Melloria seems to understand. "A human structure and two large packs..." Melloria quietly repeats to herself as she listens and the raven only squawks as if to confirm what she said. "Next time, do not get close to the human den. We cannot risk them capturing you, young one. But continue to observe the lands to the east for me and report to Josmael if you find anything worrying if you cannot find me at the time. He will relay the message to me afterwards." The Matron states, making a quick and decisive decision and the raven bows briefly before flying off.

She now glances over to her Lunar Raven. "Josmael, fetch Jasper for me if you would." Josmael caws at Melloria before flying off to fetch her mate.

...

The she-wolf quietly waits at the base of the oak tree for a short while before she's greeted with the sight of Jasper trotting over with Abelas, his Lunar Crow, and Josmael overhead. "Good morning, love. Josmael was squawking in a way that he uses to tell me there's a meeting I need to get to. So, what did you need?" He asks as he approaches, sitting beside his mate with a happy smile. Melloria returns the smile in kind. "I needed to check in with you and ensure you trust yourself to guard the lands if I'm to leave for a couple of days soon. I may be speaking with a pack to the east of the mountains within the coming days so it will be up to you and Abelas," She pauses to glance at the Lunar Crow. "To guard the Barren Hollows while I'm gone. Although, I may send Josmael back to you briefly if there is a threat breaking past our borders."

Jasper nodded and gave Melloria an understanding look as he listened. "Well, I'm not too fond of the idea of you being gone for a few days," He pauses to nudge her with his snout. "But I'm sure Abelas and myself will manage just fine. So long as you aren't gone for an extended amount of time then a few days will be manageable. But, I'm not the best of keeping those runes of yours in tip-top shape like you are." Melloria chuckles at that. "It should only be a few days unless something else comes up and I need to take care of it while I'm out. Also, you shouldn't need to tend to the runes in my absence. They should be fine without maintenance for a week at most unless we have more unwelcome visitors while I'm gone. Otherwise they will loose charges trying to protect our lands and will need to be recharged then."

The king nodded again before moving to rest his head on top of Melloria's. "Then we shall manage for that time. And make sure to send Josmael ahead of you when you're on your way back please. I would like to know when you're almost back after all, I'll miss you." He said softly, looking a little upset at the idea of her leaving for a few days or even more if something pops up and Melloria gave him a reassuring look. "I will, don't worry. Just... Make sure Branwen doesn't get into too much trouble while I'm gone. I've heard from his raven, Ivar, that he's taken a liking to watching the mountain paths lately." She says, trying to change the subject to something a bit more lighthearted now as she cracks a goofy yet knowing smile.

Jasper snorts and chuckles a little. "I told him he should stop before you find out. I suppose he didn't listen but I'll continue to keep an eye on him and hopefully help the lad avoid anymore Outsiders." He says with a small smile. Melloria rests her head against Jasper's neck for a few moments before moving to stand. "I'm in your debt, Jasper. Be safe. I'll remain in the territory for a few more days before I must head out. I have a few more runes to place and check on after all." Jasper gives her another smile and a lick on the cheek before letting the she-wolf go about her daily tasks.

These coming weeks were certainly going to be a busy time for all of them.

When Melloria returned from her brief travels, she and Josmael had been called over to the den and she was pleasantly surprised to see her newest litter of pups starting to venture beyond the interior of it. However, the she-wolf's brows furrowed slightly at the sight of the silver and black pup she had named Percival. His once brilliant moonshine eyes had begun to grow cloudy while she had been away and Melloria wasn't expecting this development. She glanced over to Jasper with a worried expression and he moved closer to reassure her. "It'll be alright, love. I remember the stories you'd tell me about how much stronger blind wolves are but we'll be okay. Percival will turn out just fine, I'm certain." He said quietly in a soothing tone to his mate.

Melloria sat down beside him, resting her head on his shoulder. "I just never expected we would have a pup like this, Jasper." She mumbled in reply before looking over to her lunar raven companion who had perched himself on top of the den at the mouth of its opening. The pups nervously sniffed at the raven before darting past to get outside and greet their parents. "Josmael?" Melloria called and the raven gave a brief squawk as he looked to her. "Would you do me a favor and keep an eye on Percival for us? Keep him out of trouble and ensure his siblings don't pick on him." Josmael deflates a little, not looking thrilled to be assigned pup sitting duties but he understood as he looked over at the pup. Percival was already quite large compared to the rest of his littermates but, the raven could also feel waves raw and untapped magical potential rolling off this little pup. He gave another squawk to Melloria, agreeing, before hopping towards the pup and keeping an eye on both him and his littermates.

The she-wolf perked up a little, more relieved that someone would be watching over her pups when she could not always be here. She would certainly spend most of her time here at the den but she still needed to patrol her lands after all. The pack was still without a Sentinel but her thoughts drifted as she watched little Percival once more. Percival was busy playing with his brother, Harlow, at the moment. But, she had the thought that perhaps Percy would shape up to be a fine Sentinel when he's older and Melloria looked over to her mate with a hopeful look at that thought. Jasper was quick to return her smile with a warmth and reassurance to it as he sat beside her, watching over their young ones.

It might not have been the easiest news to learn of but there was still hope in these two wolves that everything would go swimmingly.